DMEK

What's new with DMEK after 2,300 cases?
Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (“DMEK”) is the latest iteration of endothelial keratoplasty. It replaces only Descemet’s membrane and endothelium, and leaves the patient’s cornea closer to its original condition than any other transplant technique. The course addresses the most common reason for repeat DSEK/DSAEK: Wrinkles and Folds.

In the last year, there have been significant advances in both surgical techniques and post-operative management.

Surgery: the use of intra operative OCT provides a tremendous teaching tool for understanding the mechanics of donor positioning and movement in the eye. Our live surgery demonstrations of 8 to 14 cases on the second course day have continuous OCT and video during surgery. New Descemet's out techniques facilitate donor handling and unfolding as well as promising improved post-operataive cell counts. Is this the key to using younger tissue - come and find out!

Do you have gas or just air? Decide which is best for you.

DMEK can now be routinely used for many complicated cases like post PK, post glaucoma surgery and post PPV.

Post-operative care now has been reduced need for topical steroid in most cases and reduced risk of steroid induced IOP increases. Find out how to individualize steroid dosing.

Like other forms of endothelial keratoplasty, DMEK involves a whole new learning curve. It has some similarities to DSEK, but also a number of dramatic differences in donor preparation, manipulation in the eye, and post operative care.

WHAT DO I BRING?

 0.5 forceps
 0.12 forceps
 Small smooth tying forceps
 Small angled tying forceps
 Sinsky hook"Y" hook for scoring similar to Ambler 9217E At least 5 or 6 human corneal scleral rims at least no more than 7-10 days old and 2 to 3 whole globes

You may bring your practice tissue with you or have your eye bank ship it.

Please use Fed-Ex “First Overnight Delivery” so that we receive the tissue on the first day of the course. IMPORTANT: Identify the shipping container as RESEARCH tissue, so that it is not combined with surgical tissue. Address your package to:
Price Vision Group
Attention: DMEK Course – Your Name
9002 N. Meridian Street, Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46260 USA

There is no good equivalent for human eyes. Fresh eyes always are preferable. Physicians coming from outside of North America: we will coordinate with Vision Share (a not-for-profit consortium of eye banks) to arrange practice tissue.

ATTIRE

Business casual. Ties and jackets are not necessary. Please refrain from wearing perfumes and colognes. Meeting rooms are cool; you may want to bring a sweater. Scrubs will be provided for the live surgery.

HOTEL

Homewood Suites by Hilton offers Price Vision Group/Cornea Research Foundation of America guests a discounted rate and is located at 2501 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240, about three miles from Price Vision Group. A complimentary breakfast buffet and evening hors d’oeuvres are included in the rate. All rooms are suites with separate bedroom and living room, and a kitchen.

Reservations: Please call the hotel directly at (317) 202-3453 and ask for in-house reservations. Then ask for the DMEK Group (Price Vision Group).

Shuttle Service: Homewood Suites provides a shuttle to Price Vision Group. Please confirm your need for the shuttle when you check in. The shuttle is available to locations within five miles of Homewood Suites (not to the airport).

TAXI

Taxi rates from the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) to Price Vision Group and our preferred hotel, Homewood Suites by Hilton, generally are about $60 one-way. However, if you call in advance, you may reserve a taxi with Carmel Circle City Cab at a rate of $40 one-way (317-848-5757). A share-ride shuttle is available from Carey Limousine at a rate of $34 (317-241-6700).

DIRECTIONS

Approximately 25 miles from the Indianapolis International Airport (IND). Travel time: 30-45 minutes, depending upon traffic.

To Price Vision Group: From the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), start out going West on I-70; merge onto I-465 N and then I-465 E to US31/Meridian Street Exit 31. Proceed a half mile south on Meridian and turn West onto 91st Street. Price Vision Group is located in the Lakeview Office Park on the SW corner of 91st and Meridian. Enter from the west parking.

To Homewood Suites: From the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), start out going West on I-70; merge onto I-465 N and then I-465 E to Exit 33 (Keystone Avenue). South on Keystone Avenue and exit onto 86th Street (Nora/Castleton). West onto 86th Street. Homewood Suites by Hilton is on the left after Haverstick Road.

AMA PRA CATEGORY 1 CME

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA) through the joint providership of St. Vincent Hospital and Health Care Center Inc. and Corneal Consultants of Indiana, P.C. The St. Vincent Hospital and Health Care Center Inc. is accredited by the ISMA to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation Statement

St. Vincent Hospital and Health Care Center Inc. designates this live activity for a maximum of 14 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.